I can’t believe I’ve been in business for seven years.
Where did the time go? I remember the summer of 2016, arriving in Washington D.C., determined to make something of my expensive degree from Virginia State University, eager to prove everyone wrong. By October 2016, my journey officially began. It started with those words: “We’re changing direction and no longer need your position.” Really? Right before homecoming? All I could think was, What have I done these last few months since graduating? I questioned myself—was I too comfortable, stagnant, or complacent?
As I rode the metro home, I didn’t have it in me to cry or share my low moments with anyone. I did the only thing I knew how to do: “Keep pressing forward.” I gave myself 24 hours to mourn the loss of my first “big girl” job, and I started journaling. Every day, I wrote about my thoughts, the interviews I went on, and the lessons I learned. In just two weeks, I landed a contracting role and an assistant wedding planner position (entirely out of my scope). I knew this was temporary—the contracting role would eventually propel my federal career—but I proved to myself that I was resilient and capable of navigating adulthood without running home.
God nudged me several times, calling me to be a sister-friend to other women experiencing similar challenges. But of course, I was focused on the hustle, on building my identity around something that could never fully fulfill me (but we’ll save that for another blog). In the summer of 2017, I made a radical shift, deciding to live my best life while putting my energy into something of my own. Within a year, I experienced three jobs before landing a role I was finally okay with. As a Senior Admin Specialist, I had another run-in with a “Susan” at work, and I told myself I wouldn’t be blindsided again.
By September 2017, I began creating blog posts to help recent grads navigate their new careers and conquer the post-grad depression I had experienced. I refused to let someone else’s dream dictate my life or operate in a scarcity mindset. In October 2017, I launched the L. Simone Company Blog and Graphic Design Services. My blog became my safe space, something I could fully own. From there, I launched various offerings, awarded book scholarships to students at Virginia State University, fed the homeless, and even started an online boutique called L. Simone Co.
Since then, many things have shifted. I no longer run an online boutique or jewelry subscription service, and I don’t feel the need to prove myself to anyone. Since 2020, I’ve focused entirely on my digital services: résumé reviews, interview preparation, website design, graphic design, and brand development.
What can you take away from my story (my brief journey)?
1. When you ask God for something, make space for it.
I was just going through the motions in my relationship with God for a while. I was coexisting in a gray space, angry with Him. I felt like I had done everything He asked, yet I still wasn’t blessed in a specific area of my life. Someone advised me that I was stretched too thin, running three companies, and lacking focus. I didn’t have time for love. In 2021, I decided to bring love into my life through self-love first, and then I committed to setting time aside for God daily. I needed to honestly know Him and understand His promises. (Should I write a separate blog on this?)
2. Understand your “why.”
My reasons weren’t always coming from the right place. I fell in love with the idea of being a “boss chick” instead of building a kingdom business. Looking back, God speaks to you clearly through dreams or signs. He gave me every business idea I’ve had, but it was up to me to discern the right timing. Tough, right? I hate to admit it, but my motivation was 50% God-led and 50% worrying about proving myself to my haters. But if it’s not 100% God-led, then it’s 100% self-led—and that’s not the path we’re meant to take. So, I sat with myself, ironed out my plan, and made space for what I wanted. God saw it fit to bless my digital business with many kingdom connections—from online influencers to mega-churches, hairstylists, restaurants, and more. I chose to do it His way, not mine.
3. It’s okay to stop and reset.
If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and reset. There were many times I wanted to quit all three businesses and just focus on my career. But then I remembered: my kingdom business isn’t about me. God gave me a season of rest—no clients, no orders—until I realized the value of constant fellowship with His people, the beauty of the creative gifts He gave me, and how to steward those blessings well. Take rest. Set boundaries. Honor God.
If you can learn anything from me, know I’m about giving grace and moving with discernment. I love my life and thank God for moving in and through me in my kingdom business. Cheers to seven years—and here’s to seven times ten more!
Drop a comment and let me know!
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